The word bead itself has an "interfaith" origin. It comes from both the Sanskrit buddh, which refers to Self-Realization--the Buddha is The Enlightened One, and also derives from the Saxon verb bidden, to pray. 

This video presentation first seeks to answer such questions as: In the various world religions, what are the different forms the rosary has taken? What is actually said while using them and what do these spiritual practices sound like? What gives the repetition of a Divine Name or mantra the power to be efficacious and how does it activate the heart? How does the symbolism of the rose and the meaning of the Sacred, or rather Secret, Garden, or rosarium, relate to attaining one's own "Kingdom of Heaven within"? 

The viewer is then treated to stunning imagery in art and photography as this practice in the various faiths is chronologically presented--each tradition made clearer through the wisdom found in the others. 

The Hindu approach to the use of prayer beads or mala is elucidated by three of the greatest spiritual masters of the Vedanta--Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886), Swami Ramdas (1884-1963), and Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950). 

Judaism focuses on the string or sutra, rather than the bead. The practice of the tephilim, or prayer straps, is both fascinating and inspiring. The sacred texts included with them are truly moving. 

For the different forms of Buddhism, Cambodian statuary and photography of Tibet help to enhance one's understanding of the State of Being, which is the ultimate goal of invoking upon beads. 

The methodologies of both the Latin Church and the Eastern Orthodox way are presented. An explanation of what the Catholic undertakes in reciting "Hail Mary" or meditating on the Mysteries is offered. There is footage of the monks on Mount Athos performing the Jesus Prayer, or Prayer of the Heart, which has inspired the American Centering Prayer movement. 

Muslim prayer beads or tasbih are discussed, as well as the particular use made of them in Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam. For the sake of further clarification, this process is compared with the Christian rite of Holy Communion in terms of the shared focus on death (of one's separative egotistic tendencies), resurrection, and Eternal Life, or Union with God.

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